Accessible Restrictor Plate Gas Valve Unit for Burner Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas valve units for gas cooking devices require complex adjustments of restrictor openings to accommodate different gas burners, gas types, and pressures, making it difficult to achieve the desired output in each switching stage.
Innovation Solution
A gas valve unit design with a restrictor plate accessible from the side, allowing for external adjustment and replacement, featuring a rotatable or linearly movable actuation shaft, and utilizing a permanent magnet to actuate on/off valves, along with a pressure plate and gas distribution plates to manage gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the restrictor plate is made accessible from the side of the valve chamber where the actuation shaft protrudes, then the adjustment and replacement of restrictor openings becomes simple and does not require disassembling gas lines, but the internal structure of the valve chamber becomes more complex to accommodate this access mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor plate is extracted from the deep internal structure of the valve chamber and made accessible from the side where the actuation shaft protrudes. This allows the restrictor plate to be adjusted and replaced without disassembling gas lines or accessing the bottom of the valve chamber, significantly improving ease of operation while the access mechanism is integrated into the existing valve chamber structure
Solution Approach 2:
The side of the valve chamber where the actuation shaft protrudes is given a dual function: it serves both as the actuation interface and as the access point for adjusting and replacing the restrictor plate. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate access mechanisms or disassembly steps, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the restrictor plate is made replaceable to accommodate different gas types and pressures, then the adaptability of the gas valve unit improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple plates and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gas valve unit is segmented into modular components, with the restrictor plate as a separate replaceable element. This allows different restrictor plates to be used for different gas types and pressures, improving adaptability. The segmentation enables independent replacement of the restrictor plate without affecting other components, managing the complexity through modularity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple restrictor plates are prepared in advance, each optimized for specific gas types and pressure conditions. Users can select and install the appropriate plate before operation, enabling quick adaptation to different gas configurations without complex adjustments or modifications during operation
3Ease of repair
If the covering of the valve chamber is made removable to access the restrictor plate, then the ease of maintenance and adjustment improves, but the reliability may be affected by increased access points and potential sealing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The covering is given a dual function: it serves as both the closure for the valve chamber and as the access point for adjusting and replacing the restrictor plate. By making the covering removable, the design enables easy maintenance and adjustment while maintaining the sealing integrity when the covering is properly reinstalled, resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simple and efficient adjustment of opening cross-sections of restrictor openings, allowing for easy conversion between gas types and pressures without disassembling the gas lines, ensuring optimal burner performance across various configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the on/off valves can be actuated by means of a permanent magnet, in particular the shut-off bodies of the on/off valves can be moved by means of the force of at least one permanent magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A gas valve unit for adjusting a volumetric gas flow which is fed to a gas burner of a gas device includes a valve chamber, an actuation shaft protruding out of the valve chamber, and at least two on/off valves arranged in the valve chamber. Further arranged in the valve chamber is at least one restrictor plate having at least two restrictor points, each of the restrictor points having at least one restrictor opening. The restrictor plate is accessible from a side of the valve chamber on which the actuation shaft is protruding from the valve chamber.